San Carlos Flight Center

Destination: Columbia
2020-06-03 19:00 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | San Carlos Flight Center, Select a Country:
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Columbia is a history-rich town settled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, founded in the 1850s during the Gold Rush. The historic downtown area features the largest single collection of existing Gold Rush-era structures in the entire state, and offers saloons, merchants, a tea house, and much more. The Columbia Airport is an ideal airport to experience non-towered operations, grass runways, and the closest you can get to high-altitude airports.
San Carlos Flight Center invites experienced pilots Amanda Chan, and Marco Leogrande to share their experiences with flying to Columbia Airport and how to make the trip into a great weekend destination and memorable learning experience for all. The Columbia airport (O22) is located a mere 15 minutes walk from downtown, and it features a 4600 ft paved runway and a 2600 ft grass runway. An on airport campground, exclusively for pilots, offers picnic tables, barbecues, campsites, flush toilets and hot showers. At 2,121 ft MSL and surrounded by hills, O22 provides pilots with an introduction to the challenges involved with operating at a higher-elevation airport. This seminar will highlight the steps to help you plan a cross country flight plan from the Bay Area, and some of the necessary precautions needed while operating at a grassy, high altitude, and non towered airport.
If you are looking to find an airport that offers a unique challenge for many pilots, and be rewarded with the beautiful sights of Columbia; don’t miss this webinar.

Marco Leogrande has been flying with the SCFC since 2017, and obtained his private pilot certificate in 2019. He has been drawn to general aviation by the adventure and opportunity of visiting California by air.
Amanda Chan, a software product manager for a Fortune 500 company, started flying in 2014 and earned her ASEL private pilot certificate in 2017. She has over 350 flight hours and recently completed training for a high-performance endorsement.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Webinar
2020-06-02 08:00 - 17:00, 2020-05-02 08:00 - 17:00

The Bay Area Pilots Guide to Travis AFB RAPCON
2020-05-30 12:00 - 13:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Travis RAPCON is a unique approach facility that many Bay Area Pilots get the opportunity to talk to. From VFR aircraft to C17’s practicing approaches, Travis handles it all.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Master Sergeant John Addams, and Senior Airmen Cameron Roelofs to discuss the Travis RAPCON and its ATC services. In this seminar they will cover how Travis accommodates basic service to VFR aircraft, and the benefits of receiving VFR flight following within their airspace. They will also explain some of the ways that Class E airspace relates to Travis AFB, and why it’s important to be talking to Travis RAPCON while operating in their airspace. Lastly, how pilots can be direct, clear, and concise on the radio while talking to ATC.
The presenters are also eager to take questions from the GA flying community. If you have ever wondered about the approach operations at Travis AFB, or if you want to learn more about their services and experiences; you won’t want to miss this seminar.

Master Sgt John Addams from Olympia, WA. Currently the Assistant Chief Controller of Travis RAPCON. He’s been in the Air Force going on 18 years.
Senior Airmen Cameron Roelofs from Grand Rapids, MI. He’s been in the Air Force for 3 years and is one of our most talented controllers and trainers.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Radio Communications 2: Enroute Radio Communications
2020-05-27 19:00 - 20:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Flying through in the many airspaces of California requires a high degree of situational awareness and sophisticated radio skills. And yet, radio communication is rarely taught as a specific subject during private pilot training. Usually, new pilots just absorb what they hear on the frequency around them, both good and bad. Although some radio techniques are covered in ground school, rarely do student pilots get the time devoted to demystifying this often-confusing subject.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Herb Patten, Assistant Chief Pilot, AGI and CFI and Dan Dyer, Chief Pilot and CFI to show how to perfect your communication and phraseology. They will cover radio phraseology from the basics through advanced ATC services with emphasis on flight following and flight service stations. This seminar will include many examples on how to recognize bad radio calls, and how to fix them. Learn how to make radio communication easier and safer for all pilots.
If you are interested in becoming better at your radio, you don’t want to miss this seminar.

Dan Dyer is a flight instructor and Chief Pilot of San Carlos Flight Center. He has been instructing for 15 years, has over 4,000 flight hours, and is the Bay Area’s local expert in crosswind landing instruction. He is known for finding simple and innovative ways to explain complex topics and regularly speaks on advanced ground school topics. Find out more about Dan at www.sancarlosflight.com or contact him at dan@sancarlosflight.com
Herb Patten is the Assistant Chief Pilot at the San Carlos Flight Center, a CFI and an FAA certificated advanced and instrument ground instructor who teaches private pilot ground school at San Carlos Flight Center. He is a commercial pilot with an instrument rating, has over 1,500 hours and flown into at least 120 different California airports. He is the current chairman of the Upwind Foundation, famous for its Upwind Summer Scholarship Program. In 2015, Herb was named a Master Instructor by the National Association of Flight Instructors.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Ground School Refresher: Aeromedical
2020-05-23 12:00 - 13:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Human body dynamics are complicated on the ground, and really interesting when you take them up thousands of feet in elevation. The reduction in ambient air pressure can cause various impairments that directly affect safety of flight.
Join AGI Michel Vidal-Naquet as he reviews important Aeromedical Factors such as the four types of hypoxia, the impact of medicines and alcohol on the human body, and how the human eye and mind can be fooled by various spatial and visual illusions. He will also go over some common over-the-counter medications that pilots might not consider to impair their ability to fly, but may actually be dangerous.
Come and join this online seminar in the ground school refresher series to review the impact of flight on the human body and become a safer pilot.

Michel Vidal-Naquet is an advanced ground instructor and an instrument rated private pilot with about 680 flight hours. He started flying in 2013 after settling in the Bay area to work as a computer scientist and engineer. His passion for aviation began during his early childhood when his family first took him on international flights. He brings a scientific point of view to his flying, and is always learning.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Challenges and Rewards of Instrument Rating
2020-05-20 19:00 - 20:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

An IFR rating is a logical next step for pilots after becoming a private pilot. Transitioning from flying with your eyes outside on the natural horizon to flying inside with reference to instruments is a big shift. There are new charts, new procedures, and a new set of regulations that need to be learned. Understanding the nuances of weather and ATC communications becomes even more relevant for an IFR pilot.

Although the IFR Rating is challenging, earning it will definitely make you a safer pilot. It also opens up new options for departing on your cross country trip even when the weather is less than VFR. Even more so, for aspiring pilots looking to get into the commercial aviation world, this is the next logical step to take. Join AGI and CFI Herb Pattern as he will share his experiences of working towards an IFR Rating. He will share the challenges they encountered and the rewards of the rating, along with sharing what the advantages are of having an Instrument Rating.

If you are looking to pursue your instrument rating, this is the seminar for you.

Herb Patten is the Assistant Chief Pilot at the San Carlos Flight Center, a CFI and an FAA certificated advanced and instrument ground instructor who teaches private pilot ground school at San Carlos Flight Center. He is a commercial pilot with an instrument rating, has over 1,500 hours and flown into at least 120 different California airports. He is the current chairman of the Upwind Foundation, famous for its Upwind Summer Scholarship Program. In 2015, Herb was named a Master Instructor by the National Association of Flight Instructors.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

SCFC Members Meeting – Re-Open for Flights
2020-05-19 17:00 - 18:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this meeting will only be available for online viewing. **
Click here to access the live stream

Tune in for the latest news about San Carlos Flight Center’s response to the COVID-19 public health crisis. We will discuss the impact of changes in San Mateo County shelter-in-place guidelines and the re-opening the Flight Center for airplane rental flights beginning Wednesday, May 20. This event will be live-streamed via our usual system for watching FAA Safety Seminars and will be open to SCFC members.

This event will be live-streamed via our usual system for watching FAA Safety Seminars and will be open to SCFC members.

Back in the Cockpit After Taking Two Months Off
2020-05-16 12:00 - 13:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

With such a long time away from flying, many of us can’t wait to get back in the air. Some of you might have used this time to brush up on ground school skills, or plan your next big trip. That helps keep you in an aviation frame of mind, but all of us will need to brush up on our flying skills with our CFI’s once we return. How does a safe, competent pilot approach restarting flight activities after a period of months away from the cockpit?
As SCFC eyes reopening the club to member flights, San Carlos Flight Center has invited CFI Mariana May Barrato to chart a course through recurrency. What are the safest, most efficient ways for pilots to get back in the air. What are the regulatory requirements? What knowledge areas likely need attention? How can a pilot structure the first few flights back to build back full capabilities. In this seminar, Mari will cover those topics, and provide an outlook on what to expect coming back into flying.
With many of us begging to take to the skies, we must take into consideration the safest ways to do so. Come join us and find out.

Mari May Baratto is a Certified Flight Instructor and an FAA Instrument Ground Instructor with experience teaching both Private and Commercial Pilot students. A commercial rated pilot both in Brazil and in the United States, Mari has a diverse background flying through different airspaces, especially through one of the country’s most intimidating areas, the Washington DC SFRA. Mari has been recognized as a 2018 Distinguished Flight Instructor by AOPA.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Ground School Refresher: Airspace
2020-05-13 19:00 - 20:30
Airspace Handout
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Let’s face it, airspace is an imaginary concept. It is just a shorthand way to talk about the set of Federal Aviation Regulations that apply by location and altitude, and the impact they have on VFR flight. As confusing as you think the rules are, with a quick refresher, you’ll be back to full knowledge in no time.
If it has been awhile since you sat through ground school, you may be due for an airspace refresher. In this safety seminar, we will review the different classes of airspace that are found in the United States. We’ll cover their shapes, sizes, operating rules, and also cover special use airspace. Want an easy way to keep confusing Class G airspace rules memorized, use the Flight Center’s method that teaches there are 3 types of Class G airspace, Class G-low, Class G-mid, and Class G-high. Do you know the differences between them? Where would you look it up? What happens to Class D when the tower closes? How well do you know airspace?
This safety seminar is open to current and aspiring Private Pilots, and will be of particular interest to students pilots and those who are preparing for a flight review. You will leave the seminar with a renewed understanding, and probably a few memory aids to take with your on your next flight.

Sid Basu is a CFI ASEL, Commercial ASEL, AMEL and Instrument rated pilot with over 1500 hours total time and about 1000 hours dual given. He has been flying since 2008 and has been instructing at San Carlos Flight Center since 2017.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

What is Tower Enroute Control (TEC)?
2020-05-09 12:00 - 13:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Many local flights begin and end entirely within approach/departure control airspace. These are otherwise known as Tower Enroute Control (TEC) routing. You can fly a local IFR flight without ever getting handed off to the Center. This is because Air Route Traffic Control Centers are often very busy handling enroute traffic and short flights like this are not a good use of their time. TEC routes can be extremely useful tools for the IFR pilot looking to fly a local IFR flight and get their clearance faster.

San Carlos Flight Center invites Instrument Ground Instruction and commercial pilot Dave Kramer to discuss the benefits of tower enroute control. In this seminar, Dave will review what TEC routing is, how to find the appropriate route, how to file it, and how to fly it safely and effectively. TEC Routes have been available for a long time, often used in Southern California and have often been underused. By attending this seminar you will realize the benefits of using this type of routing, and impress your friends on your next IFR flight.
If you want to get on the ground at your destination faster, you won’t want to miss out on this seminar.

Dave Kramer MD, an ophthalmologist for over 30 years, is an instrument rated, tailwheel, complex and high performance endorsed commercial SEL pilot as well as a basic and instrument ground instructor with an interest in weather. He has been flying since 2012, has over 1100 hours of which over 500 have been in the IFR system. He also enjoys long cross country flying, night flying and flying in the LA area.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

A Walkthough of Aircraft Maintenance Logbooks
2020-05-06 19:00 - 20:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Aircraft records are significant for safety and legal reasons. Maintenance and inspections are meticulously recorded in more aircraft logbooks, such as airframe, engine, propeller, and sometimes avionics. Pilots need to understand the details of aircraft logbook entries to validate the airworthiness of the airplane before flight, especially after the plane has returned from servicing.
Preparing for a checkride is one instance where the pilot-in-command needs to know every piece of the aircraft’s airworthiness. When was the last annual inspection? If 100-hour inspections are required, when was the last 100 hour inspection done? Has the work been logged appropriately in the maintenance records. Are all the airworthiness directives complied with? Being able to read and interpret maintenance logbook entries is the only way to confirm the aircraft is airworthy..
In this seminar, San Carlos Flight Center AGI James Sloan will examine the aircraft maintenance logbook entries and highlight what you need to pay attention to as a PIC. James is an owner of two aircraft, a pilot with over 500 hours, and just received his certificate as a flight instructor. We encourage any pilot to attend.

James Sloan earned his PPL in 2002 and flew around the East Coast for a few years. After taking several years off from flying, he joined SCFC in 2017 and he has earned his instrument, commercial, advanced and instrument ground instructor, and flight instructor ratings. He currently has about 550 hours in single engine airplanes and owns 1.6 Cessnas.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

User Waypoints: an Under-Utilized Feature of ForeFlight
2020-05-02 12:00 - 13:30
Have you ever flown over an interesting, easily-identifiable visual landmark, but look and discover it’s not on the VFR Chart? ForeFlight, the popular electronic flight tool for iPad, has a solution. You can now select your own user-defined waypoints within the app, allowing you to navigate more safely through complex airspace.

San Carlos Flight Center invites ATP and CFI Bob Leuten to explain the secrets of using user waypoints in ForeFlight. The new feature is available in all versions of ForeFlight, even the $100 per year “Basic Plus” version. Bob will show you how to easily add User Waypoints for various landmarks used in the traffic pattern at San Carlos Airport that are not already identified as ‘VP’ fixes. These include the AT&T Tower, Kaiser Hospital, Sunken Ship and ‘Abeam Hillsdale Shopping Center,’ a key part of the new ‘Hillsdale Departure’ noise abatement procedure, and many more. In addition, you will learn how to enter your own waypoints for home, work or those used for your own custom “Bay Tour.” Once you master user waypoints on your iPad, it’s an easy transition to enter a select few in your portable or panel-mounted GPS navigator for use with your autopilot.

We encourage all aspiring and current ForeFlight users to attend this seminar. If you are able to bring your own iPad to this session (loaded with the current version of ForeFlight), you will be able to practice (in real time) naming, entering, editing and deleting real examples of user waypoints. If you can’t bring your iPad, just follow along. We hope to see you there.

Bob Leuten is an Airline Transport Pilot (6,000+ hours) and has been a Certified Flight Instructor (2,000+ hours) for over 50 years. He is a recipient of the FAA Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award and is a former member of the staff here at SCFC. Bob flies a Super Decathlon and has over 40 years experience at the San Carlos Airport.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

How Flight Sim Training Improved my Radio as a Pilot
2020-04-29 19:00 - 20:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Speaking on the radio with ATC embodies a lot of a pilots workload. Sometimes pilots like to speak too much while transmitting on frequency, leading to frequency congestion, confusion, and can overall be an annoyance. SCFC pilot Brandan Dadoun has an interesting story about how his time training to be a controller on VATSIM, the virtual air traffic simulation network, actually improved his understanding and ability as a pilot.
As you may imagine, real life air traffic controllers go through extensive radio and procedures training. It turns out the same is true for people training to be virtual air traffic controllers on VATSIM. Over three years, Brandan studied the basics of airspace, airport and enroute procedures, LOAs, and detailed procedural training for all of Northern California and Oakland Center. Under supervised training, he was able to work up to controlling Oakland Center. Now, he trains others in ATC procedures in the SF Bay Area.
SCFC has invited Brandan to share what he has learned from virtual air traffic management, and how it informs his ability to use the radio effectively as a pilot. He has tips/references to the AIM on how to become a better pilot on the radio. He will also interactively show crucial examples of how being “lazy” or careless about radio phraseology can lead to disaster. Learn how to spot the confusion within multiple examples of bad phraseology, and ultimately become safer in the skies.
If you are a student pilot, private, or instrument pilot looking for ways to brush up their radio, and airspace during these uneasy times, don’t miss out on this seminar.

Brandan Dadoun is a Student Pilot solo and SCFC’s Seminar Coordinator, Brandan has completed the majority of his flight training at SCFC; with over 75 flight hours. He is an advocate for getting youth involved in aviation and is actively involved in many aviation programs. He is an active volunteer at the Hiller Aviation Museum, and previously an active volunteer in the local EAA chapter. Lastly, he has been apart of the organization VATSIM for over 4 years virtually controlling airplanes across the Bay Area and training other ATC candidates.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Mountain Flying
2020-04-25 12:00 - 13:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Flying in the mountains can be some of the most amazingly beautiful and satisfying flying you may ever accomplish. But it comes with increased risk, and thereby increased responsibility. Every day, GA pilots who fly in the mountains safely calculate and plan for such risks, and you can too.
Spring weather brings cool temperatures, clear skies and smooth air. It can also occasionally bring the threat of snow and ice, which are good things to learn to respect during trips to airports at higher elevations. Join CFI Brian Eliot for an overview of elements of mountain flying. We’ll look at how terrain and mountain weather patterns affect one another and what that means to pilots of small aircraft. We will discuss how to calculate density and what it means for landing and departing at high-altitude mountain airports. And no mountain flying discussion is complete without emergency preparedness and survival gear.
This seminar is intended to meet the ground training requirement for an SCFC Mountain Checkout, and is required for all pilots participating in the FlyOutGroup 5-day Mountain Flying trip in early July. For more information, go to https://sancarlosflight.com/events/fog
If you are planning a trip to the mountains anytime soon, or just want to learn more about mountain flying; don’t miss out on this seminar.

Brian Eliot is San Carlos Flight Center’s resident expert for IFR training and Garmin G1000 avionics. He has been flying since 1995 and received all his training in the Bay Area. Brian previously worked as a broadcast engineer, a software developer, and taught computer science at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He regularly presents at San Carlos Flight Center safety seminars and has a reputation for making complex concepts easy to learn and understand.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Adventures in Crosswinds
2020-04-22 19:00 - 20:30
Adventures in Crosswinds Handout

Do you remember in your training when you feared the crosswind landing? Perhaps at some level you still do. Did you find yourself preferring to land at Haward instead of San Carlos? Do you feel there are normal landings and crosswind landings?
Dan Dyer and San Carlos Flight Center, the only flight school on the west coast with a crosswind simulator, is committed to training pilots competence in all landings. In this seminar, Dan Dyer, said by some to be the west coast crosswind expert, will take you step by step through all phases of landings with and without crosswinds, so that you approach every landing the same way. With a bit of practice you will land as easy as stopping your car at a stoplight. It’s part of the flight, no big deal, in fact it will become the best and most fun part of the flight.
Imagine approaching a landing as just a landing even to the point you do not have to think too much about the crosswinds. In fact you now even enjoy the challenge of a crosswind. Don’t miss out on this seminar to be a better pilot.

Dan Dyer is a flight instructor and Chief Pilot of San Carlos Flight Center. He has been instructing for 15 years, has over 4,000 flight hours, and is the Bay Area’s local expert in crosswind landing instruction. He is known for finding simple and innovative ways to explain complex topics and regularly speaks on advanced ground school topics. Find out more about Dan at www.sancarlosflight.com or contact him at dan@sancarlosflight.com

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Destination: American Southwest & the Tucson “Boneyard”
2020-04-18 12:00 - 13:30
Are you considering venturing to the American Southwest for an adventure of a lifetime? Along with expanding your flight planning knowledge, experience the joyous southwestern sights throughout the beautiful spring months, and experience a blast from the past touring the “Airplane Boneyard” in Tucson, AZ.
Long cross-country flights require plenty of planning all of which can be broken down to a few basics. How do you start? Join commercial pilot, ground instructor, and FlyOutGroup coordinator Dave Kramer as he discusses this long cross-country flight planning adventure. He will discuss his basic approach to preparation which includes route selection, alternate considerations in case of weather, and hints on how to have a memorable flying adventure. Long cross-country flights allow the pilot to see as many sights as they can. Dave will discuss sightseeing over many of the Southwest’s most pristine landmarks. The options are limitless and are ultimately up to you.
If you are interested in joining the FlyOutGroup trip in April to the “Boneyard” in Tucson Arizona and want to learn more about improving your cross-country flight planning skills, set your calendar to attend this seminar.

Dave Kramer MD, an ophthalmologist for over 30 years, is an instrument rated, tailwheel, complex and high performance endorsed commercial SEL pilot as well as a basic and instrument ground instructor with an interest in weather. He has been flying since 2012, has over 1100 hours of which over 500 have been in the IFR system. He also enjoys long cross-country flying, night flying, and flying in the LA area.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Radio Communication Basics
2020-04-15 19:00 - 20:30
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Flying through SF Bay Area airspace requires a high degree of situational awareness and sophisticated radio skills. And yet, radio communication is rarely taught as a specific subject during private pilot training. Usually, new pilots just absorb what they hear on the frequency around them, both good and bad. Although some radio techniques are covered in ground school, rarely do student pilots get the time devoted to demystifying this often-confusing subject.
This presentation is meant to bridge the gap, to help newer pilots understand the structure of radio calls and how to improve their own radio skills, with plenty of chance to practice their skills. Dan Dyer a CFI will walk participants through a foundation of radio communication phraseology and use, from the basics through advanced ATC services. Learn how to make radio communication easier and safer for all pilots.
Don’t miss out on this seminar if you are struggling with your radio communications, or want to improve your radio.

Dan Dyer is a flight instructor and Chief Pilot of San Carlos Flight Center. He has been instructing for 15 years, has over 4,000 flight hours, and is the Bay Area’s local expert in crosswind landing instruction. He is known for finding simple and innovative ways to explain complex topics and regularly speaks on advanced ground school topics. Find out more about Dan at www.sancarlosflight.com or contact him at dan@sancarlosflight.com

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Weather Theory Refresher
2020-04-11 12:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Weather can play a huge factor in any pilots pre-flight planning and actual flight. Weather is a complex subject that can affect an aircraft’s performance, ability to generate lift, along with many other things. From the subtle forming of clouds, to thunderstorms and microbursts, how can you stay safe in the air?
San Carlos Flight Center invites CFI Russell Bowerman to cover the topic of weather theory. In this seminar he will provide a general outlook on weather and how it is created, how the coriolis effect affects weather, how to detect adverse weather patterns, fog, and much more. Be more confident on your next flight knowing that you have made the right decisions for your flight.
If you have ever had difficulties trying to grasp the complexities of weather, then this is the seminar for you.

Russel Bowerman has always maintained an interest in aviation, visiting aviation museums, taking sightseeing flights, and staying up to date on all the newest fighter jets and airliners. After receiving his Private Pilot Certificate in 2018, he decided to make a career of it, attaining his Commercial and CFI ratings. Russell has been teaching and loving it ever since. Beyond flying, he really enjoys travelling and feels lucky to meet new people and learn about their diverse backgrounds in the process of flight training.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Flying the SF Bay Tour
2020-04-08 19:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Flying in the San Francisco Bay area is spectacular, a real privilege for local pilots. The Pacific Ocean, a dramatic coastline, beautiful hills, and many famous landmarks. As pilots, we are afforded a rare bird’s eye view that we long to share with our friends and family.
So what exactly is a “Bay Tour”? And, how was it affected by last years Bravo airspace changes? How did it affect the Bay Tour, and what new implementations will require pilots need to take to account? Chief Pilot Dan Dyer will examine the airspace, explain the “Bay Tour” and how a pilot can accomplish one in the safest, simplest, most enjoyable manner. We’ll review the various overlapping airspaces in the area, the territories for each local ATC facility, and the routings most commonly used by Flight Center pilots and suggested by ATC. You’ll learn what options are available to you even if SQL ATIS has the phrase “San Francisco is not taking surface area transitions.”
If you are new to the Bay area, want to imagine the different sights you’ll see, or just want to improve your understanding of local airspace customs and procedures, please join us for this popular seminar.

Dan Dyer is a flight instructor and Chief Pilot of San Carlos Flight Center. He has been instructing for 15 years, has over 4,000 flight hours, and is the Bay Area’s local expert in crosswind landing instruction. He is known for finding simple and innovative ways to explain complex topics and regularly speaks on advanced ground school topics. Find out more about Dan at www.sancarlosflight.com or contact him at dan@sancarlosflight.com

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

American Flight 587 and the Importance of VA
2020-04-04 12:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Sometimes we think certain things would never happen, until they do. For the majority of us pilots, we try to always prepare for the worst, but hope for the best.
San Carlos Flight Center invites Advanced Ground Instructor Michel Vidal-Naquet to talk about the investigation of American Airlines Flight 587 that crashed into a suburban neighborhood in New York in 2001. The NTSB determined that after encountering the wake turbulence of a preceding 747, the first officer applied a series of full alternating rudder inputs that led to structural failure and the separation of the vertical stabilizer. The aircraft was traveling at approximately 250 knots, that is 20 knots below VA for the Airbus A300 “What? But I thought flying below VA protected against structural damage?” This accident revealed a general misconception of the term VA within the pilot community. Does flying at or below VA always “guarantee” protection?
In this presentation, we will go over the accident and describe different contributing factors to the crash, as identified by the NTSB. We will then examine the concept of maneuvering speed and take a look at how VA is intricately defined by the regulations. Finally, we will review implications for GA pilots. We recommend all pilots to attend as we learn from this seminar and improve our safety in flight in the future.
Michel Vidal-Naquet is an advanced ground instructor and an instrument-rated private pilot with about 680 flight hours. He started flying in 2013 after settling in the Bay area to work as a computer scientist and engineer. His passion for aviation began during his early childhood when his family first took him on international flights. He brings a scientific point of view to his flying, and is always learning.
San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Emergency Signaling: ELT’s and PLB’s
2020-04-01 19:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) are becoming cheaper and more reliable. Why would a pilot need a PLB if they already have an onboard ELT? How would a PLB help a pilot in an emergency? What is a PLB anyway?
In this seminar, Herb Patten, SCFC’s Assistant Chief Pilot will explain the critical differences between PLBs and ELTs. He will review the history of the emergence of the regulations on ELTs, review accident data that highlights the problems and challenges of the original ELT design, describe the enhancements offered in the new 406-MHz ELT and how they function, and provide an update on proposed regulations for ELT requirements.
Most pilots are aware of the onboard Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) in their personal or rented airplane. Most know that the older models transmitted a distress signal on 121.5-MHz in the event of a hard landing. But how many know what frequency the new models transmit on? How does an ELT differ from a PLB? Do you know the differences in who receives your distress signal and how quickly?
Don’t miss this seminar if you want to be prepared in post-emergency landing situations, and how you can increase your chances of surviving through the use of ELT’s and PLB’s.
Herb Patten is the Assistant Chief Pilot at the San Carlos Flight Center, a CFI and an FAA certificated advanced and instrument ground instructor who teaches private pilot ground school at San Carlos Flight Center. He is a commercial pilot with an instrument rating, has over 1,500 hours and flown into at least 120 different California airports. He is co-founder of the Bay Area Student and New Pilot Support Group, and a board member of the Upwind Foundation, famous for its Upwind Summer Scholarship Program. In 2015, Herb was named a Master Instructor by the National Association of Flight Instructors.
San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Ground School Refresher: VFR Charts
2020-03-28 12:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Do you know how to identify where certain VFR reporting waypoints are on a chart? Do you know if the airport you are landing at has an operating beacon? Do you know if the airport you are landing at has pilot controlled lighting, or lighting at all? Or maybe if you just want a VFR chart refresher, this is the place for you to be.
VFR charts pack an extraordinary amount of material and represent a 3-dimensional world of terrain and airspaces in 2 dimensions. They describe graphically the earth as it looks to us pilots from the air. And no matter how much we study them and how good we get at interpreting them there is always something new or some little nuance that we didn’t realize. Lastly, they are fun. Who doesn’t enjoy looking at a map, especially an aviation one?
Join Russell Bowerman a CFI as he gives a ground school refresher. He will actively involve the audience in this fun review of VFR charts and point out interesting facts that you then can go out and impress your friends.

Russell Bowerman has always maintained an interest in aviation, visiting aviation museums, taking sightseeing flights, and staying up to date on all the newest fighter jets and airliners. After receiving his Private Pilot Certificate in 2018, he decided to make a career of it, attaining his Commercial and CFI ratings. Russell has been teaching and loving it ever since. Beyond flying, he really enjoys traveling and feels lucky to meet new people and learn about their diverse backgrounds in the process of flight training.

BONUS STREAM- A Peak Into the Virtual Skies with VATSIM
2020-03-27 16:15 - 17:30
Join us tonight as we showcase VATSIM, a virtual air traffic control network where you can hook up your flight simulator, interact with a real Air Traffic Controller, and follow real-world procedures; just as you would in real life. VATSIM has a broad range of possibilities, where you can re-enact the classic VFR-IFR Departure procedure off of San Carlos or flying local VFR around any airport of your choice. VATSIM is a completely FREE network with thousands of Air Traffic Controllers and Pilots that allows any pilot to connect using their home flight simulator to talk with Air Traffic Controllers by utilizing real frequencies and procedures. Take this opportunity to learn about how beneficial this could be for you as a pilot.
If you’re bored, this could be a fun way to take a peek into the world of simulated air traffic. You do not need a VATSIM account to watch, but you will need to have logged into your SanCarlosFlight.com account to access this free live stream. To find out more information on how to join this network visit vatsim.net or check out our previous Livestream on “How to get Involved in Flight Simulation” here.
The Livestream will start at 4:15 and showcase both a radar controllers perspective and a pilot’s perspective on flying into a busy event on the network.
We hope to see you there!

Cross-Country Flight Plan Calculations
2020-03-25 19:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Planning for a long cross-country flight involves a lot of thinking ahead. There’s weather analysis, route selection, and planning for alternatives. There’s also the need to estimate flight time and fuel burn to meet FAA regulations for minimum onboard fuel. Seems easy right?
The only way to determine the amount of fuel you’ll need, is if you’ve already solved a host of other calculations. To be accurate, you’ll need to know ground distance, forecast winds, and aircraft performance information. You’ll also need to make some choices about altitude and route. Most pilots complete these series of calculations using grid sheets to guide their calculations, with cryptic columns label such as TH, DEV, CH, and ETE. At San Carlos Flight Center, we use a Cross-Country Flight Log sheet that makes it easy to understand the sources of information and the flow of calculations.
In this Ground School Refresher seminar, Flight Instructors Herb Patten and Dan Dyer will walk students through the variety of calculations need for each leg of flight that lead up to the final Fuel Needed number. If you are a new flight student confused about cross-country flight calculations or just need a refresher, please tune in.

Herb Patten is the Assistant Chief Pilot at the San Carlos Flight Center, a CFI and an FAA certificated advanced and instrument ground instructor who teaches private pilot ground school at San Carlos Flight Center. He is a commercial pilot with an instrument rating, has over 1,500 hours and flown into at least 120 different California airports. He is the current chairman of the Upwind Foundation, famous for its Upwind Summer Scholarship Program. In 2015, Herb was named a Master Instructor by the National Association of Flight Instructors.
Dan Dyer is a flight instructor and Chief Pilot of San Carlos Flight Center. He has been instructing for 15 years, has over 4,000 flight hours, and is the Bay Area’s local expert in crosswind landing instruction. He is known for finding simple and innovative ways to explain complex topics and regularly speaks on advanced ground school topics. Find out more about Dan at www.sancarlosflight.com or contact him at dan@sancarlosflight.com

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

NORDO In the Bay Area: How to get Back on the Ground Safely
2020-03-21 12:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

What might seem like a normal flight can change in an instant. Radio failures happen in the least opportune time, and your best-laid plans can change instantaneously. How are you going to handle the unexpected?
San Carlos Flight Center invites Michael Dutton and Stephen Heesacker CFI to talk about what happens when your radios fail you outside and inside of the SFO Mode C vail and how to get back home safely. As pilots, we normally only have one or two plans in mind, one to our destination, and one to an alternative airport given adverse conditions. However, what we do not plan for is what happens when our radios fail. We all have been taught to squawk 7600, and try to fly back in range of the light gun; but is that really the safest, and most efficient way to do so?
Come join for this unique opportunity to gain a new perspective on how to handle radio emergencies in flight. We invite all pilots to attend so we can be safer in the skies.

Stephen Heesacker is a flight instructor at San Carlos Flight Center. For Stephen, flying has always been a joy. He has a degree in Physics and Aeronautics at San Jose State University and has competed on the San Jose Precision Flight Team and United States Precision Flight Team. Find out more about Stephen at www.sancarlosflight.com or contact him at stephen@sancarlosflight.com.
Michael Dutton is a Private Pilot, rated in both helicopter and fixed wing aircraft, with over two hundred hours. He is also an Eagle Scout from Troop 132 and has spent years as a first aid and survival instructor. When he isn’t flying or working, he still goes camping with his friends from his old Troop.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Hayward for the Student Pilot
2020-03-18 19:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Flying to a new airport can bring its own sets of challenges, risks, and new procedures. For student pilots trying to branch out of their home airport, Hayward Executive Airport in the East Bay might seem the most suitable. What airport information is crucial to operating safely at Hayward? What specific things do you need to watch out for? What are the hot spots or things that may be confusing to a student or new pilot?
Herb Pattern, SCFC Assistant Chief Pilot will share his experiences of years of operating in and out of Hayward’s Class D airspace. He will discuss local procedures, pattern operations, special procedures, and where you can retain all this information for your flight. He also has samples of the radio calls you’ll hear when operating in the Hayward ATC environment, to help student pilots become familiar with important differences. After attending this seminar, students will have more confidence in operating safely at Hayward.
We encourage any student pilot to attend, and pilots of higher rating to attend too. Do not miss out on this seminar, learn how to gain confidence, operate safer, and know your A game.

Herb Patten is the Assistant Chief Pilot at the San Carlos Flight Center, a CFI and an FAA certificated advanced and instrument ground instructor who teaches private pilot ground school at San Carlos Flight Center. He is a commercial pilot with an instrument rating, has over 1,500 hours and flown into at least 120 different California airports. He is the current chairman of the Upwind Foundation, famous for its Upwind Summer Scholarship Program. In 2015, Herb was named a Master Instructor by the National Association of Flight Instructors.

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

Destination: Santa Maria
2020-03-14 12:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

Santa Maria, the gateway to Southern California, and the beautiful Santa Ynez valley is a great destination airport for many reasons. From the beautiful wineries, to the blissful beaches and tasty BBQ joints; this is a pilot’s dream.
Santa Maria is a short flight from the Bay Area and a perfect destination for either students trying to log their long cross country time, or pilots seeking a great weekend getaway. Where else can you request to taxi directly to your hotel? Or walk from the airport to the beach? Dan Dyer, Chief Pilot at San Carlos Flight Center will reveal the plethora of opportunities, adventures, and points of interests in and around Santa Maria. Dan will review suggested routes of flight, highlight local operations at KSMX, and provide tips on how to efficiently and safely operate at this airport.
If you are interested in joining the FOG trip to Santa Maria on March 27th or you are just interested in a new destination, plan on attending this seminar.

Dan Dyer is a flight instructor and Chief Pilot of San Carlos Flight Center. He has been instructing for 15 years, has over 4,000 flight hours, and is the Bay Area’s local expert in crosswind landing instruction. He is known for finding simple and innovative ways to explain complex topics and regularly speaks on advanced ground school topics. Find out more about Dan at www.sancarlosflight.com or contact him at dan@sancarlosflight.com

San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.

POSTPONED - Upwind Wine and Cheese Party and Silent Auction
2020-03-13 18:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this event is being postponed. We will announce the reschedule date at a later time.**
Click here to learn more about SCFC’s response to the COVID-19 situation.

It’s that time of year again!
Upwind Scholarship Foundation invites you to a fundraising Wine and Cheese Soiree on Friday, March 13th at 6:00 pm. All are welcome!
We will celebrate the summer of fundraising, complete our silent auction (plenty of time left to bid), and as a special treat, we will meet the winners of the Upwind 2020 Scholarship. Join us to celebrate with the winners and their families.
Everyone is welcome.

Landing Secrets Revealed
2020-03-11 19:00
**Due to the COVID-19 public health crisis, this seminar will only be available for online viewing. IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.**
Click here to learn more about online viewing.

In some ways, learning to fly is largely about learning to land. Pilots of small planes need to perform at least one safe landing on nearly every flight. It’s the type of skill that is learned once, and then perfected for the rest of a pilot’s life. How are your landings? Would you like to hear a few secrets to landing that can help you improve your landing ability?
Join Chief Pilot Dan Dyer for discussion about landing philosophy and some insider tips on perfecting your landings. In this seminar, learn about the two halves to the flare, the actual role of the pilot (you may be surprised), how important it is to look good, and the critical importance of time spent at altitude playing with the horizon.
This presentation may be of value to student pilots working on learning to land for the first time, but also may offer insights to experienced pilots looking to take their landing ability to the next level. If you want your passengers to be happy about your landings, do not miss this seminar.
Dan Dyer is a flight instructor and Chief Pilot of San Carlos Flight Center. He has been instructing for 14 years, has over 4,000 flight hours and is the Bay Area’s local expert in crosswind landing instruction. He is known for finding simple and innovative ways to explain complex topics and regularly speaks on advanced ground school topics. Find out more about Dan at www.sancarlosflight.com or contact him at dan@sancarlosflight.com
San Carlos Flight Center (SCFC) is the SF Bay Area’s most dynamic flying club, committed to building general aviation thought safety, community, and adventure. AOPA has consistently recognized SCFC in their Best Flight School survey, most recently in 2019 as a Distinguished Flight School.
SCFC is committed to promoting safety in general aviation through our regular safety seminars and guest speaker programs. Space is often limited so it is important to sign up early. SCFC members may choose to watch the seminar live over the web at home, or recorded at a later date. Click here or contact a SCFC member service rep at (650) 946-1700 for more information about online access.
